Diabetes, obesity, and oral diseases (dental caries and periodontal diseases), largely preventable chronic diseases, are described as global pandemic due their distribution and severe consequences. 1-4 WHO calls for a global action for prevention and promotion regarding these diseases as a vital investment in urgent need. 1-4 Current scientific evidence provides a strong and plausible basis to assert that diabetes, obesity and oral diseases have common risk factors (poor dietary habits, a sugar-rich diet, smoking) 5-9 and biologic mechanisms. 10-17 Current research supports that there is a bidirectional relationship between type 2 diabetes (DM2) and oral health: Poor oral health negatively contributes to glycemic control whereas poor DM2 management negatively affects oral health. 17 Thus, they lead to poor systemic health conditions. 18 Obesity is a triggering risk factor both for DM2 and oral diseases, namely periodontal diseases. 10-12 Diabetes and obesity, showing an increasing trend, lead to disabilities and negatively affect the quality of life through life-course along with oral diseases. 19, 20 WHO projects that there are almost 200 million people with diabetes at present, and 3,2 million deaths/year are attributable to diabetes complications, and both will double worldwide by 2030. 19,21-23 Globally, more than 1 billion adults are overweight; almost 300 million of them are clinically obese. Being obese or overweight raises steeply the likelihood of developing DM2; approximately 85% of people with diabetes are DM2, and of these 90% are obese or overweight. 22 Promoting a good oral health is significantly essential for preventing and reducing the negative consequences of DM2 and obesity. 24 Key to successful maintenance of a high glycemic control, DM2 management and obesity, and good oral health is adherence to the regime of daily treatment and self-care practices. 25-28 However, many patients find or feel themselves unable to follow recommended lifestyles (a healthy diet, physical exercise, no smoking, medications, twice daily toothbrushing), which makes them more prone to diabetes-related complications, poor oral health and obesity; therefore leading a poor quality of life. WHO, 2 International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 29 The World Dental Federation (FDI), 30 and Council of European Dentists, 31 American Dental Association 32 underline a need to adopt a common-risk factor approach 33 for oral and general health promotion; a need for interventions integrating oral health into chronic disease management. WHO highly recommends behavioral interventions to meet this need. 34
